Exploring South Goa on Solo Travel Journey

Without any doubt, South Goa is the best place for solo travel. Are you asking me why? Well, there are beautiful beaches with killer seafood. And top of all these, it is a budget-friendly place, a plus for solo travellers. You can find cheap hotels and restaurants, and there is no need to spend a fortune on tourist attractions. In fact, some of the best experiences I have had in South Goa have been free or cost very little. Further, with friendly and welcoming locals, it has a safe environment for you to explore and relax as a solo female traveller.

What’s more, although it is not as touristy as North Goa, you can explore the area without being constantly harassed by touts and taxi drivers. The roads are well-marked, so it is easy to get around, and there is plenty to see and do. So if you are looking for a peaceful, hassle-free holiday, South Goa is worth considering. I often travel to South Goa to escape the banality of my mundane life and refresh my soul.

1. What is the best time to travel to South Goa?

The best time to go to South Goa is between November to February—no other season other than November to February! South Goa is not travel-friendly during other months. The main attraction of South Goa is its natural scenery, trekking wilderness, and cascading waterfalls. These lose their admiralty during summers. Not only that but there will also be no water flowing during the summer.

In the same way, during heavy rain, there will be an overflow of water. Sometimes the forest department blocks certain places, considering the rain and safety. Hence, rain and summer should be strictly avoided.

2. Must visit places in South Goa

Bhagwan Mandir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park

Bhagwan Mandir Sanctuary, also known as Mollem National Park, is a vast 240 km of land abundant in flora and fauna. All of South Goa’s mesmerising waterfalls are located in this territory. As you might have guessed, Mollem National Park is located in the district of Mollem. You can easily reach Mollem by local train. And yes, there is an entry fee to the Mollem National Park. However, it is much less, costing just INR 20 (0.25 USD).

Pequeno Island – the place for snorkelling lovers

Ever since I watched the Disney film “The Little Mermaid,” I have always wanted to see what is there “under the sea.” Pequeno Island is the dream destination for snorkelling lovers. I had loads of fun watching the sea creatures and the corals. For a minute, I felt like I was a little mermaid exploring my natural habitat. Don’t forget to check out magical islands like Pequeno on your solo travel in South Goa. Grande island is also a beautiful place.

These two destinations are just a few must-visit ones in South Goa. You can check out the whole list from my blog post, “What are the must-visit places in South Goa?“.

3. Off the beaten path: Solo travel in South Goa

There are a lot of great options out there for solo travel in South Goa. But the offbeat paths are even greater for their unpopularity. That said, the off-beaten paths of South Goa are

• Sunset point at Cabo De Rama Fort
• Beaches of South Goa
• Rivona Caves
• Chorla Ghats and Anjunem Dam

Sunset point at Cabo De Rama Fort

Cabo De Rama Fort is an enchanting beauty of Goa’s past—a place that reflects the well-kept history of Goa. The fort built by the Portuguese was turned into a prison by the Indian government. Now pushed to its ruins, the top of the fort brings you a mesmerising panoramic sunset view. Certainly, a must-visit destination!

Beaches of South Goa

North Goa reserves the first seat when it comes to beaches. I agree. That doesn’t mean South Goa is at the least of any experience. South Goa beaches are known for their calmness and safety. Many swim-friendly beaches and the cleanest beaches of Goa are located here.

Rivona Caves

Next is Rivona Caves. It is a quiet, non-touristy place in South Goa. It traces its inheritance to the Pandavas and Buddhist monks, and its nickname is Pandava Cave. Lord Hanuman is said to have visited this cave. Although it has such a significant history, it is least visited by tourists because there is no proper guided path to reach this place. It is located on an abandoned path 10 km from Ponda, South Goa.

Chorla Ghats and Anjunem Dam

Chorla Ghat, located in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, is a beautiful spot. This place is home to hundreds of exotic plants and animals and is a haven for birdwatchers. Not only that, Anjunem Dam, situated at the Sanquelim-Belgaum road’s corners, is an unavoidable visit to Chorla Ghats. Overall the place is surrounded by lush green mountains.

4. Are there beaches in South Goa?

Yes, there are beaches in South Goa. Indeed it is home to many swim-friendly beaches of Goa. Out of these, Benaulim Beach is the safest swim-friendly Goa. Being the most popular enchanting beach in South Goa, it deserves a place on your checklist. Other best beaches of Goa in the southern region are 

• Colva Beach
• Agonda Beach
• Palolem Beach
• Betalbatim Beach
• Cavelossim Beach
• Bogmalo Beach
• Majorda Beach
• Varca Beach

Which beach is best for water sports in South Goa?

Considering South Goa, Palolem Beach and Agonda Beach are the best beaches for water sports in South Goa. They host tremendous water adventure activities that shake your spirit! Paragliding and Windsurfing are famous in Agonda Beach. Likewise, Palolem Beach is known for Kayaking, and Bogmalo Beach for Scuba diving. Betalbatim Beach is one of the surf-friendly beaches in Goa. It is suitable for beginners in surfing.

5. Things to do in South Goa

Trekking

Trekking is one of the greatest things to do in South Goa. Who would hesitate to go for a thrilling walk amidst massive natural beauty? South Goa, known for its abundant greenery, will capture you with its sinister trek in its forests that will remain in your mind forever. If you are asking for suggestions for the top place to go for trekking in Goa, the Dudhsagar Waterfalls trek is the trekking spot you are looking for.

Dudhsagar Falls is located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary at Collem. Initially, I did not want to miss this place on my solo travel to South Goa since it was the fifth tallest waterfall in India. But when I tried to reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls, I came to know about its gripping trekking. There are two trekking routes to reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls, making it an even more interesting place. If you love trekking, Dudhsagar Falls trekking should be your first preference.

Waterfalls

Speaking of Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Waterfalls are a significant beauty of South Goa. Hence, visiting waterfalls is a must-do thing. However, water doesn’t cascade year-round in the waterfall. Waterflow depends on the season. Hence, you must visit South Goa during the monsoon to enjoy the splendour of nature with gushing waterfalls.

During June, it rains in Goa. Therefore, the post-rainy season (September to December) is the ideal time to visit the waterfalls of Goa. Netravali, also known as Savari, is a short waterfall. It is located inside Netravali National park amidst the dense jungle. This place is perfect for visiting when you are travelling on your own to South Goa. Be sure to take some photos of the picturesque scenery for your memories of solo travel.

Fun activities

Taking part in fun activities is an entertaining thing you can do in South Goa. Enjoy a lot of water. Parasailing from the Majorda or Bogmalo beaches will allow you to soar high above the ground and take in views of the ocean, the Western Ghats surrounding it, and the lush beaches. Or you can take a tranquil kayaking excursion on the Sal River and the Arabian Sea to discover the area’s backwaters and extensive mangrove forests.

Unique snorkelling and scuba diving experiences are also available in South Goa, where you can find the region’s abundant marine life. Beaches in Palolem, Colva, Agonda, and Mobor are just a few prime locations for South Goa water sports. South Goa is a fantastic destination for water activities because of the calm sea waves, different terrains, and unspoiled and undiscovered areas. So, when you visit South Goa on your own, explore at least one of these.

Wildlife sanctuaries

Paying a visit to wildlife sanctuaries should be on your list of things to do on your solo travel to South Goa. It is taken that the landscape of awe riched greens, groves, and water bodies must have a wildlife reserve. That said, Bhagwan Mandir Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mhadei Wild Sanctuary are the most visited wildlife sanctuaries in South Goa.

6. How to reach South Goa

Reaching Goa from around the world. 

You can reach South Goa by train, taxi, or bus. There is no airport in South Goa. So, South Goa is a little more difficult to get to than North Goa. However, it is definitely worth the effort. The best way to reach South Goa is to take a bus from Panaji, also known as Panjim, the capital of Goa. It is about a two-hour journey, and plenty of buses run throughout the day. You can also take a taxi, which will be much more expensive.

If you are travelling from out of India, you must take an international flight to the Dabolim Airport., Panjim. From November to February, a few charter airlines from Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom also provide direct flights to the Dabolim International Airport. I advise you to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you travel during a popular time of the year. Both the summer and the new year are busy times in Goa. Therefore, you must reserve your travel and lodging far in advance to receive the best prices. No matter how you get there, just enjoy your solo travel to South Goa!

Local trains are the best for shuffling from other regions of Goa to South Goa. 

If you are coming from Mumbai, Bangalore, or any neighbouring places of Goa, you can take a train to Madgaon Railway Station. From there, take a bus, taxi, or local train. Trains run quite frequently, so it is a great option if you want to save money on airfare during your solo travel to South Goa. In the same way, local trains are the best way to reach South Goa from North Goa and Old Goa.

7. How to get around South Goa

Depending on your choices and budget, South Goa offers a wide range of public and private transportation facilities. You can pre-arrange taxis and scooters by visiting a rental service. If not, instantly book auto rickshaws and cab services like Ola and Uber. Yes, Uber is available in Goa. In my experience, tourist destinations within South Goa are not situated closer. Hence, renting a scooter may not be a good choice. Private cabs or Uber will be suitable for getting around South Goa. Otherwise, go for public transportation services on your solo travel to South Goa.

Public transportation is the least expensive method of transportation in Goa. Bus connections between Goa’s more urban districts and other parts of the state are common, easy to use, and generally run on time. They are also the most entertaining choice once you figure out how to utilise them because you get to interact with the locals. As a solo traveller in South Goa, I found chatting with locals helpful. They told me more about the offbeat part of South Goa, which I have shared with you already. You can also rent a relatively simple bicycle near the beach destination in Goa. Cycling near the beaches is a refreshing activity to do in Goa.

8. Where to find affordable accommodation in South Goa

There are plenty of affordable places to stay in South Goa, but it can be tough to find them if you are unfamiliar with the area. But with this article by your side, you no longer have to worry about that. Hostels have always been my favourite budget-friendly accommodation because they are not only affordable but also safe for a solo female traveller. I stayed in Agonda Sunset Hostel. It is a pretty clean hostel with comfortable beds. It is also within a walkable distance from Agonda Beach. Their price range is cheap. It starts at INR 299 (3.76 USD) per person.

You can also stay in the Summer by HostelCrowd near Palolem Beach, both a hostel and a hotel. This is the perfect hangout place for thrill-seekers and culture lovers alike, as various activities like boat rides and hiking paths are nearby. Their prices start at INR 288 (3.62 USD) per person. You can also stay in the Rainbow Lining hostel, which is also near Palolem Beach. Those are my suggestions for the best hostels in South Goa. Alternatively, you can also choose homestays or hotels.

9. Explore South Goa in two days!

Here is my itinerary to explore South Goa. Reserve the first day for beach atrocities. After you arrive at the central city of Goa, reach any of the beaches of South Goa. Colva, Palolem, and Benaulim are the best options out there. Have a fun time swimming and indulge in water activities. You can also enjoy beautiful sunsets on the beaches. So, head to Cabo De Rama fort for the evening to watch the spectacular sunset. Cabo De Rama is one of the best places to view the sunsets in Goa. For the night, explore the street and seafood in Goa. Enter a nightclub around the region for party time.

Continuing, settle the second day for a nature adventure. Go to Mollem National Park. Reserve the entire day for trekking and visiting the sanctuary and waterfalls there. Dudhsagar trekking is a must-try. Hence, start with Dudhsagar Falls trekking. Mollem National Park will consume a lot of your time. Roughly it will be a two-hour journey. Therefore, the entire day will be packed with trekking, sanctuary, and waterfall sightseeing. If you have time left, you can visit the Rivona Caves. Otherwise, head to Panjim and start your trip back home.

10. How to be a conscious traveller in South Goa

• Like in any other place, you must be wary of tourist scams.
• No matter where you stay, be sure to lock your door.
• Make sure your accommodation provides safe lockers to secure your things. If not, carry a small lock with you to secure your luggage.
• Wondering what to wear in Goa and look like a local? In that case, avoid wearing bikinis away from beaches to fit in and for your safety.
• Don’t go to nightclubs or parties alone.
• Always stay alert and contact 100 in case of emergency.

11. How to travel to South Goa on a budget

Travelling can be expensive. Even if you can afford that extra cash, wouldn’t you want to save money for later use? Here I will give you some tips to save that extra cash on your solo travel in South Goa. Following the dos and don’ts in Goa displayed below, you can make the most of your solo travel in South Goa on a budget.

Avoid tour guides and taxis.

You should avoid tour guides, taxis, and auto-rickshaws if you don’t want your wallet to suffer. Instead, you can rent a scooter or bicycle and explore the places on your own, as I have mentioned before. You can also choose public transportation services which are astonishingly cheap.

Avoid weekends and holiday seasons.

Try not to travel during holidays and weekends. Because during this time, the hotels will hike their price. It will be crowded everywhere, and every place will take advantage of the demand to raise prices.

Take the less travelled road.

Instead of going for pricey water sports and viewpoints, you can visit beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, forts, museums, and trekking areas with waterfalls. Most of these places do not charge you an entry fee. Even if they did, it is affordable.

Economical eateries

You will not be missing out on Goan cuisine if you cannot afford to eat in the hotels, which will burn a hole in your wallet. You can still enjoy the delicious Goan cuisine in the roadside eateries that offer affordable delicacies. But make sure the place is hygienic before you eat. That said, there are tremendous cafes in n South Goa that are budget-friendly.

12. Is South Goa boring for solo travellers?

With adventurous water sports, tantalising beaches, picturesque sceneries, and amazing trekking trails, South Goa is far from boring. With budget-friendly accommodations and exciting activities that keep you on your feet, South Goa is the perfect place for your solo travel. You can unwind without worrying about the crowd and men who would ogle at you. You can let go of your inhibitions and have fun, as South Goa is a safe place for solo female travellers.

 So, what are you waiting for, friends? Get ready. Start packing for your solo travel in South Goa. If you are still unsure whether South Goa is a good place for a solo female traveller, you can figure out the rest on your way with the help of my post, “Is South Goa a good place for solo travellers?“. Suppose you have any questions feel free to contact me in the comments below. Bon voyage, ladies!

13. FAQS

1. Is travelling to South Goa expensive?

South Goa is comparatively more expensive than North Goa because travelling between tourist destinations in South Goa consumes more money. For more details, check out my blog post, “Is South Goa more expensive than North Goa?“.

2. Are there any adventurous activities to do in South Goa?

Yes, South Goa has many adventurous activities like snorkelling, Kayaking, Parasailing, Surfing, Cycling, Trekking, and so on.

3. Is South Goa safe for Solo female travellers?

Yes. It is perfectly safe for solo female travellers. South Goa is quiet, and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

4. What is the currency used in South Goa?

The same as in any other part of India, Rupees are the currency used in South Goa. That said, there are many currency exchange places in South Goa.

5. Which is the most crowded beach in South Goa?

Colva Beach and Palolem Beach are the most crowded beaches in South Goa.